“My mom was the one who brought it up, actually,” said center Matt Armstrong, a four-year starter who is set to complete his degree in criminal justice. “She said, ‘Oh, now you’re not going to be able to walk.’ I just got a big smile on my face.”

Missing commencement gets back to a tradition for mid-year graduates on the football team. The Lakers, 11-2, are in the playoffs for the first time since 2010 following 10 consecutive postseason appearances that usually passed over the fall ceremonies.

Green, who leads the team in receptions with 45, had planned to attend commencement.

“I wanted to, but with football and everything, that trumps commencement, no question,” he said. “Once we won, I knew I wouldn’t be doing it. My mom was a little upset at first, but she understands. She’s a big football fan anyway.”